Anyone who has written a story in the Episode app is aware of the extensive content guidelines, including what is or isn’t allowed in story covers, backgrounds and overlays. However, there is a worrying uptick of authors blatantly using AI-generated backgrounds and covers. Notably, even some of Episode’s commissioned and featured authors (people from the community who write and code Official stories) have these types of art in their stories. These are authors who a) are paid by Episode and b) have access to Episode’s art resources and/or community artists and asset creators.

Before someone can upload a background or overlay, they must click on the message stating you own or have permission to use said asset. Many community editors and artists have to make sure authors must attribute their work properly. But with AI-generated art, the boundaries are blurry. At best, the lack of transparency with using AI is dishonest; at worst, the assets are derived from stolen/unethically sourced art. This just exacerbates an issue from Episode of not enforcing their content guidelines equally.

Although Episode is an app, the recent uptick in AI generated art used reflects a larger problem of the ethics in using AI in the creative fields and visual arts. There are several stats which show this worry, like 70% of people believing artists should be compensated if generative AI copies their art (Statista), and that over 50% of artists worry AI will harm their revenue (Book an Artist). There’s also a great Forbes article on the downsides of over-relying on AI in the arts.

If Episode actively allows AI in their platform, the least it can do is update their guidelines to set boundaries on AI usage. As authors who regularly get a certain number of monthly reads get paid, it is crucial that they disclose the assets they had not made themselves. Episode is a community full of writers, artists and fans alike, who enjoy an app that allows so much creativity and customization. I’m aware some authors cannot afford high quality art and AI may be an accessible option for them. However, when earning money gets involved, there must be some sort of standard or transparency.